Lower councils to miss funding over accountability queries

WAKISO. Town councils and sub-counties in Wakiso District risk missing out on government funding over accountability queries.According to Mr Paddy Galabuzi, the Wakiso District planner, all lower administrative units in the district diverted public funds to non-planned activities in contravention of public finance management regulations. He said this has caused audit queries and the district has decided to recommend to the Finance ministry to withhold all funds for town councils and sub- counties that will fail to provide satisfactory accountability on time. “It is unacceptable behaviour to prioritise and budget for activities and then divert the money. This is the behaviour with most of the sub-counties and town councils in Wakiso,” Mr Galabuzi said during an interview on Monday. The approved budget that will be withheld for the upcoming quarter amounts to more than Shs10b. This money, according to Mr Galabuzi, was meant to cater for the Discretionary Development Equalisation Grant and Non-Wage unconditional grants among others.“With holding of funds will mean that all government employees will go without pay until things are sorted out,” he added.

IssuesDiverted. All lower administrative units in the district are said to have diverted public funds to non-planned activities.Held. The district has decided to recommend to the Finance ministry to withhold all funds for town councils and sub-counties that will fail to provide satisfactory accountability on time. Budget. The approved budget that will be withheld for the upcoming quarter amounts to more than Shs10b.Affected. The district has eight town councils, including Kyengera, Wakiso, Kajjansi, Kasangati, Katabi, Kakiri, Masuliita and Namayumba.The sub-counties are seven, including Masuliita, Mende, Kakiri, Namayumba, Wakiso, Bussi, and Kasanje.